Honda Ridgeline Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Tailgates


Honda class action lawsuit alleges Ridgeline’s tailgate wiring harnesses cause reversing camera failures.

June 5, 2021 – A Honda Ridgeline hatchback class action lawsuit alleges 2017-2019 trucks have defective wiring harnesses that result in failures of safety components, including the rearview cameras.

The three Ridgeline owners who filed the Honda class action complaint that truck occupants are at risk, as are other consumers and surrounding property.

The Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a 2-way tailgate that can be opened vertically as standard, but also horizontally when it swings open.

There is a tailgate wiring harness with several separate wires that are used to carry data and power to the rearview camera. However, the plaintiffs complain that there are deficiencies in the wiring insulators, strain reliefs and the metal conductors in these wires, which are at risk of breaking.

The alleged premature failure of the wiring leads to short circuits, which then lead to the reversing camera failing or only working temporarily.

The Honda Ridgeline class action lawsuit claims that if the tailgate is opened horizontally, the tailgate will pinch the wiring harness at the location of the tailgate pivot, causing wear to the cable coating and internal wiring.

The plaintiffs claim that the pipes and coatings cannot withstand the wear and tear caused by the swinging tailgate opening and closing.

The 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline tailgate issues are something the automaker allegedly knows about from technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued to dealers. In addition, Honda reportedly knew that the tailgate wiring harnesses were already having problems before the trucks were sold.

Honda dealers reportedly tell Ridgeline owners that tailgate complaints are common and replacement tailgate wiring harnesses are being reordered. And because Honda reportedly refuses to recall the Honda Ridgeline tailgate, truck owners have to pay for repairs.

The class action lawsuit also alleges that dealers have been told that Honda is collecting affected parts from Ridgeline for investigation. But the automaker reportedly didn’t do anything for Ridgeline customers.

The Honda Ridgeline class action lawsuit has been filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California: MacTavish, et al., Vs. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., et al.

Plaintiffs are represented by Ahdoot & Wolfson, PC, and Barnow and Associates, PC

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